Glossary - Surgical Care

Abdominal hysterectomy-the uterus is removed through the abdomen via a surgical incision.

Abdominoscopy-a type of surgery using a laparoscope, which is inserted into one or more small incisions, to examine the abdominal cavity. (See also endoscopy, laparoscopy, or minimally invasive surgery.)

Acute appendicitis-acute inflammation of the appendix due to infection.

Advance directives-legal documents stating a patient's medical preferences in the event the patient should become incapable of voicing his/her opinion. (See also durable power of attorney and living will.)

Anesthesia-medicine administered for the relief of pain and sensation during surgery.

Antibiotics-medication used to treat infection.

Anticoagulation drugs-medication used to prevent blood clots from forming.

Appendectomy-the surgical removal of the appendix to treat acute appendicitis.

Arthroscopy-with the use of an endoscope, surgeons can look at the interior of a joint. This technique is most often used to inspect the inside of the knee joint.

Artificial ventilation-the process of supporting breathing by manual or mechanical means when normal breathing is inefficient or has stopped.

Biopsy-a diagnostic test involving the removal of tissue or cells for examination under a microscope.

Blood pressure-the pressure of the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls.

Bronchoscopy-the examination of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs) using a flexible tube (bronchoscope). Bronchoscopy helps to evaluate and diagnose lung problems, assess blockages, obtain samples of tissue and/or fluid, and/or to help remove a foreign body.

Catheter-a flexible tube used to drain fluid from or inject fluid into the body. One common type of catheter is the Foley catheter, used to drain urine from the bladder.

Cholecystectomy-surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Colectomy-partial or complete removal of the large bowel or colon.

Colonoscopy-a test that uses a long, flexible tube with a light and camera lens at the end (colonoscope) to examine inside the large intestine.

Colposcopy-visual examination of the cervix and vagina using a lighted magnifying instrument (colposcope).

Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan)-a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.

Craniectomy-excision of a part of the skull.

Craniotomy-surgical opening of the skull to gain access to the intracranial structures.

Cystoscopy-inserting a viewing tube up the urethra to examine the urethra and bladder cavity.

Emergency surgery-an operation performed immediately as a result of an urgent medical condition. (See also urgent surgery.)

Endarterectomy-the surgical removal of plaque or blood clots in an artery.

Endoscopy-a test that uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope) to examine the inside of part of the digestive tract. Tissue samples from inside the digestive tract may also be taken for examination and testing.

Epidural anesthetic-an anesthetic that is injected into the "epidural space" in the middle and lower back, just outside the spinal space, to numb the lower extremities.

Esophagus-the muscular canal that runs from the voice box to the stomach.

Laminectomy-surgical procedure that includes removal of a portion of the lamina, to provide more room in the vertebral canal; usually for disc herniation or spinal canal stenosis.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy-an operation to remove the gallbladder. The physician inserts a laparoscope, and other surgical instruments, through small holes in the abdomen. The camera allows the physician to see the gallbladder on a television screen. The physician removes the gallbladder through the holes.

Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy-the removal of pelvic lymph nodes with a laparoscope done through four small incisions in the lower abdominal region.

Laparoscopy-a test that uses a tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (laparoscope) to examine organs and check for abnormalities. Laparoscopy is often used during surgery to look inside the body and avoid making large incisions. Tissue samples may also be taken for examination and testing.

Laryngoscopy-inspecting the larynx (voice box) with a mirror or viewing tube.

Laser surgery-using a device that emits a beam of light radiation, surgeons can cauterize a wound, repair damaged tissue, or cut through tissue.

Living will-a legal document that states your medical preferences for treatment and resuscitation in the event you can no longer speak for yourself.

Lobectomy-removal of a lobe of the lung, for cancer, benign tumors, or infections.

Local anesthesia-anesthetic medicine injected into the site of the operation to temporarily numb that area.

Lumpectomy-a surgical procedure to remove a small breast tumor and surrounding tissue.

Peritoneal adhesions-the peritoneum is a two-layered membrane that lines the wall of the abdominal cavity and covers abdominal organs. Sometimes organs begin to adhere to the peritoneum, requiring surgery to free the organs again.

Plasma-the watery, straw-colored fluid which carries the cellular elements of the blood through circulation.

Pneumonectomy-removal of an entire lung, for cancer, lung abscesses, bronchiectasis, or extensive tuberculosis.

Post-anesthesia care unit-the area a patient is brought to after surgery to recover. Also called recovery room.

Prostatectomy-surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate.